July 22, 2023

By Monica Humbard

On Saturday, August 19, from 5 to 8 pm several Lee’s Summit churches and nonprofits are combining their resources to distribute thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies to families struggling to meet their basic needs. Lee’s Summit North High School has donated the use of its parking lot for this Back to School Bash.

“God is up to something big here in Lee’s Summit,” says Michelle Browning, the kids pastor at Lee’s Summit Community Church, one of the churches hosting the Bash. “We are excited for the opportunity to partner together to help saturate our community with the love of God by helping to meet practical needs for kids and families as they prepare to go back to school.”

Students in grades K through 12 must be present to receive a backpack with school supplies specific for their school grade. Contents are based on the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District supply lists.

In addition to school supplies, the event will include a clothing closet area, where parents/guardians can choose an outfit for each student present that day. Students going into grades K through 12 will receive free haircuts at the event, and an ophthalmologist will be on site to do basic eye exams. Taking It to the Streets will prepare free hotdogs for families who attend. All items are available while supplies last. Families also can enjoy live music and visit several additional resource tents hosted by area organizations.

Other event hosts are Coldwater of Lee’s Summit, Journey Church International, King’s Church, Deerbrook Covenant Church, Fellowship Church, Summit Park Church, First Baptist Lee’s Summit, Living Faith Church and Lakeland Community Church.

If you would like more information about the event, please visit lscckc.org/backpack. Anyone interested in donating school supplies, making monetary donations or volunteering at the event, please email Michelle.Browning@lscck.org or lsbacktoschoolbash@gmail.com.